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Premier League

Manchester United legend Paddy Crerand has hailed Liverpool’s late 2-0 triumph over fellow BPL title contender Chelsea.

Man United manager Sir Alex Ferguson drew laughs before the Liverpool-Chelsea clash, saying, "I hope they both lose, that would be a good result."

Though the Reds won the fixture later that afternoon, Crerand sees the positives of a Liverpool win.

"Liverpool winning didn't bother me," said Crerand on his morning MUTV programme. "I would have preferred a draw but the one thing I didn't want was a Chelsea win because I think they're a bigger threat. I think Chelsea are a better all-round side than Liverpool."

Fans of the red half of Merseyside might point to a statistic that has proved ominous for Liverpool's title challenge, but Crerand refuses to believe in it.

"There was a statistic on television, I think from Andy Gray [from Sky Sports], that when Liverpool last did the double over Chelsea, they won the league. They've done it now this season but I honestly don't think Liverpool are a threat in the title race," added the former defensive midfielder. "The threat to United now is United themselves. Injuries and things like that are the only problem now. I fancy United strongly to win the league championship."

The Old Trafford cult hero did admit that the Red Devils' stranglehold at the top of the BPL table may not last beyond this weekend. Liverpool travel to Fratton Park to take on struggling Portsmouth, who have not won in the Premier League since November 30. The reigning BPL champions could start in second place when they clash with West Ham at Upton Park on Sunday.

"I think West Ham will be a very difficult match, we always find it difficult there," concluded Crerand.